The Surprise Ingredient: A Splash of Orange Juice
Actor and tech investor Ashton Kutcher is known for his forward-thinking ideas, but one of his more peculiar obsessions went public during a February 2023 interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show. While discussing their mutual 'obsessions,' Kutcher revealed his unorthodox addition to his morning brew: a splash of orange juice. The revelation was met with skepticism from host Kelly Clarkson, but Kutcher stood by his method, explaining the science behind his seemingly odd habit.
Kutcher clarified that he typically prefers a light roast black coffee, which naturally contains citrus notes. When faced with a medium roast that lacks this characteristic brightness, he employs his hack. “I take just a splash — not very much — a splash of orange juice and it brightens up the coffee, and gives it a little bit of sweetness,” he told Clarkson. This technique is designed to replicate the acidity and flavor profile of a lighter roast, proving that the actor approaches his coffee with the precision of a biochemical engineer, a field he once studied at the University of Iowa.
The Reason Behind Citrus and Coffee
For the uninitiated, the combination of citrus and coffee may sound unappealing, but it is a concept with surprising historical and flavor-science roots. In some parts of the world, like Italy, the 'Espresso Romano' is a common drink featuring a shot of espresso with a lemon slice or peel, designed to cut through bitterness. The principle is simple: the acidity of the citrus complements and balances the flavor profile of the coffee. For adventurous coffee lovers, adding citrus isn't a new or foreign concept, but rather a way to enhance and explore complex flavors.
- Balancing Act: The acidity in citrus can counteract the bitterness often found in darker or medium roasts, leading to a smoother finish.
- Brightening Flavors: Just as Kutcher explained, a touch of citrus can introduce a 'brightness' or tangy undertone, transforming the coffee's flavor.
- Antioxidant Boost: Both coffee and orange juice are rich in antioxidants, so combining them provides a double dose, though it's important to separate nutritional benefits from flavor experimentation.
- Complex Profile: High-quality coffee often boasts complex, natural flavor notes that include fruit and citrus. Adding a real citrus element can simply accentuate these existing flavors.
How to Try Ashton Kutcher's Orange Juice Coffee Hack
For those brave enough to experiment with this unconventional concoction, Kutcher's rules are simple. The key is moderation to avoid curdling the milk (if used) or creating an overwhelmingly unpleasant taste.
- Start with the Right Coffee: Brew a fresh cup of medium roast black coffee. This hack is specifically for enhancing a roast that lacks natural citrus notes.
- Use Only a 'Splash': As Kutcher stressed, less is more. Add only a very small amount of orange juice. Start with just a few drops and taste as you go.
- Adjust for Taste: The goal is to achieve a subtle sweetness and brightness, not to turn your coffee into a mimosa. Add more orange juice sparingly if needed.
A Taste Test for the Brave: The Public Reaction
Following Kutcher's reveal, television hosts and morning news personalities were quick to put the controversial concoction to the test. On the Today show, co-hosts Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, and Savannah Guthrie tried the orange juice and coffee mix with mixed—and mostly negative—results. Roker, for example, quickly spit out his mouthful, a visceral reaction that went viral. The reception highlights just how subjective taste can be, and how what works for one person’s palate can be decidedly unappealing to another. This widespread public taste-testing served to solidify Kutcher’s habit as a truly eccentric, rather than universally appealing, one.
How Other Celebrities Take Their Coffee: A Comparison
Ashton Kutcher is not the only celebrity with a strong coffee preference. From complex orders to proprietary brands, famous figures have their own unique methods for enjoying their morning pick-me-up. This table compares Kutcher's method with a few other notable examples.
| Celebrity | Coffee Habit | Rationale | Common Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashton Kutcher | A splash of orange juice in black medium roast coffee. | To add brightness and acidity, mimicking a light roast. | Divisive; some find it intriguing, others repulsive. |
| Heidi Klum | A full-fat latte. | A simple, delicious, and filling morning brew to start her day. | Conventional; a common and widely enjoyed coffee choice. |
| Kim Kardashian | A soy chai latte. | Avoids dairy and excessive caffeine, per dietary preferences. | Simple; a popular and trendy alternative coffee beverage. |
| Hugh Jackman | Owns his coffee brand, Laughing Man. | Uses his brand to promote fair trade and provide a quality product. | Inspiring; focuses on ethics and social good. |
| Benedict Cumberbatch | Brings his own French press to set. | A true coffee aficionado who appreciates a high-quality, freshly made brew. | Dedicated; a testament to his love for the beverage. |
Conclusion: The Ultimate Coffee Experiment
Ashton Kutcher's peculiar coffee habit—adding orange juice—demonstrates that there is no single right way to enjoy a cup of coffee. His logical explanation, rooted in his preference for the citrus notes of a light roast, may not have convinced all of his taste-testing colleagues, but it does show a creative and scientific approach to flavor. While it won't become a mainstream trend overnight, Kutcher's hack serves as a quirky reminder that the world of coffee is vast and open to experimentation. So, the next time you have a medium roast that tastes a little flat, you might just be tempted to reach for the orange juice, and embrace your inner biohacker.
For more insight into celebrity food habits and unusual flavor pairings, a variety of sources document these unique trends, showing how influencers can change our perceptions of food and drink.
